The Flames are playing well.
Well enough that it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that equal play in the last eleven would have meant a 5-5-1 record and not the 2-8-1 debacle that they are now staring down.
However that isn’t the case, and playing well and building blocks just won’t be enough to get back into the ultra competitive Western Conference playoff race. It’s early. But it’s late as the Flames fall 2-1 to the Rangers in New York.
On The Line
A bad end in Detroit but the second straight game where the Flames played quite well against NHL elite; a good sign. With back to backs it’s a tough start for Calgary, but they really could use two points to put the five game trip in a good position.
The Flow
The Flames were deep on their heels to start the game, playing the first seven minutes in their own zone and relying heavily on Miikka Kiprusoff. The gamble paid off with the stopper holding the fort and giving his club a chance to get back on their feet. From there the Flames found their game and generated some decent chances to close out the first. In the end the shots were only 8 – 6 for the hosts.
The Rangers open the scoring on a bizarre Flames line change that featured a two man breakaway and finally an own goal when Mikkelson dove to break up the pass. A great play by Steve Staios sent the puck the other way for a Flames three on one where Bouwmeester makes no mistake setting up Iginla for his 6th goal in three games. All Calgary for the middle part of the second until Glencross has a brain cramp and roughs up Girardi after a clean hit on Bouwmeester. Bam … powerplay goal and the Rangers have an undeserved 2-1 lead.
Some good chances early for the Flames in the third as they press for the tying goal. The Rangers continue to sacrifice bodies to turn away pucks. Things get chippy out there with some big hits including Stajan getting destroyed by Staal midway through the stanza.
Three Stars
1. Martin Biron: Stops 31 pucks and was clearly the best player on the ice.
2. Dan Girardi: Goal and an assist is pretty good output in a three goal game.
3. Jay Bouwmeester: Set up the Iginla goal and was very good in both ends of the ice.
The Save
With seven to play the captain finds himself wide open on the short side and one times it into Biron’s pads, and the score stays 2-1 Rangers.
The Hit
If you want one you have to go Staal on Stajan. Up for debate as to clean or not. But the heck with one hit … just give it three hitters. Tom Kotsopoulos, Stefan Meyer and Mike Sauer all took turns slamming each other into the boards and dropping the gloves in the first period.
The Goat
Easy … Glencross for his roughing penalty after a clean hit on Bouwmeester. I love standing up for your teammates, but you have to pick actual dirty hits to answer, not clean ones.
Mr. Clutch
Alex Tanguay. Didn’t name him a game star, but five points in two games for the Flames as he helps Iginla fight his mojo.
Odds and Ends
Not meant as a Olli Jokinen slag, but you have to wonder if Jokinen’s three game suspension will act as a complete coming out party for Mikael Backlund. The kid isn’t lighting it up by any means, but he’s starting to create chances on his own, something this writer predicted would happen after Christmas. With the weather outside in Calgary, maybe Christmas is coming early … Coaches just want consistency. If going forward a hit from behind boarding minor ends up in an even up if a player is challenged then no problem. However that usually isn’t the case. … Matt Stajan is the most subtle player Calgary has ever had. Scores points in six straight with his assist on the Flames first goal, a pass that was very heady, but basically not even part of the replay package. … Line mixup I’d make? Move Moss on to the Hagman/Backlund line over Bourque. Hagman and Backlund are the two best forwards on the club on this trip but Bourque is killing them with indifferent play. Wouldn’t happen with Moss. … Those that still don’t like Bouwmeester are simply not watching the games and clinging to last season. Playing very well. Leads team on plus minus, ice time, and has his offensive mojo back. …
Next Up
Wednesday the Flames hope to even the road trip with a stop in Jersey against the surprisingly bad Devils. TSN 5pm.
Lines:
Tanguay – Stajan – Iginla
Hagman – Backlund – Bourque
Glencross – Moss – Morrison
Kostopoulos – Meyer – Jackman
Staios – Bouwmeester
Mikkelson – Sarich
Babchuck – Giordano
Kiprusoff
